National Republican., 1887-12-08

ehould have place in the consideration OF
questions Of taxation.
Continuing on the same subject, the Sec.
retaty says: And now there is left only the
revenue from customs taxation to be con.
sidered. Here is where the reduction should
be made, and, while reducing, advantage
should be taken OF the opportunity TO re-
form the abuses and inequalities Of the
tariff laws. Add to the free list as many
articles as possible. Reduce duties upon
every dutlable article TO the lowest point
possible; but In ascertalning these possi-
bllities the present situation OF labor aud
business must always be kept In mind.
One argument urged In favor OF the con.
tariff would, IL admitted TO be true, estab.
lish the claim that the majority OF the labor
and people Of this country have made a
compact with the minority that the majority
will pay the minority more for certain
articles, to be made by the latter, than the
price at which the people OF other countries
are willing to sell the same; that the evil
dence OF this Ia found 10 our tariff laws
which have kept duties ct highly protec-
tive rate since early in the war, and In the
continued existence OF those laws for 80
lor e q time; and that under these condi-
tioDs many laboring men have become 90
employed In certain industries that IL might
be difficult for them at once to get other
work.
While not admitting that labor elsewhere
can injure labor as whole In this country
by giving II clothing and tools at less cost
than IL can make them here for ITSELF no
more than the sun, the winds, the waters,
and, indeed, all OF the forces Of nature In
jure the labor OF the world because they
do for mankind far more Of mans work
than he does himself, yet 1t must be ad-
mitted that the cheaper labor OF other
xNwta ,tsxt,N tt,t, thA
labor Of this country II the articles made
by the former were admitted here upon
terms which would enable our people to
buy them for the prices at which they arc
sold in other countries. IL this obligation,
which IL is claimed that labor as a whole has
assumed toward labor engaged In particular
industries in this country, does exist, 1t
should be sacredly kept, however unwise
and ill.considered we may believe It's as.
sumption to have been; and whether the
existence Of this obligation Is admitted or
not, the fact of this present employment
Of portion Of the laborers OF the country
should always be In mind when making
changes in the tariff, to the end that the ir
interests may not suffer thereby.
Under the encouragement offered by th,
terIH laws, large sums OF money have beer
invested IN. manufacturing enterprises, aud
| the capital thus Invested must also be re-
membered, for 1t is important to the coun
| try that II should receive reasonable reward
end Its power to pay fair wages to tn.
labor which 1t employs depends upon II,
own prosperity. But It must alec be borut
In mind that was no part OF the alleged
| compact, nor should 1t be claimed on any
| other ground, that the labor engaged in the
| tariff projected Industries should be re
warded beyond the general labor OF thu
country, due allowance being made fo
skill and experience. or that the capita
invested in them should return vast fortune
to its owrers.
| The country was promised the benefit Of
whatever competition might naturally arist
among the manufacturers when they shoult
be once established, and to this 1t has {
right. The tariff laws are the country't
laws; they do not belong to any section ol
to any class; their amendment should b,
approached In spirit OF justice, and witt
full consideration OF all OF the obligation
which exist between sections OF the countr.
toward each other, and Of those engaged II
one pursuit toward those engaged In othe
pursuits, but It also should be approaches
dispose Of this business in the Same Wa,
that other business is disposed OF, and witt
full regard to the rights aud equities. al
well as the interests OF all concerned. Ate
paying due regard to all these equities
after providing for due observance OF eyerl
obligation, 1t will be found that great reduc
tiops can be made In tariff taxation. SO man.
compeusations will be thereby given to tbl
and that industry that most o, them vii
find themselves in fully as good a state a
now many Of them In much better state
Patient labor, coupled with firm determ
nations to lay aside every consideratio
save the lasting good Of the whole country
will enable the Congress to accomplish II
task with honor.
The Secretary calls attention to the fac
that on the Both of June next there will
ahout S140,000,00C surplus in the treasur!
which he recommends be placed In banl
or expended in the purchase OF hond
Attention is called to the customs depar
ment, collecting of revenues, and recon
mendations made In connection therewitl
Silver money, national banks, immigration
internal revenue, bureau of engraving an
printing, revenue marine, life saving Sc
vice, and lighthouse service all receive a
t.ntion and favorable recommendation
Congress.